Four Seasons Brocade – CH 114

Chapter 114 ☆、

Hearing that Chu Mao had returned, Nanny Hao, disregarding her illness, gritted her teeth and used her hands to support herself on the small table to stand up, with Pei-Lan’s help as well.

As soon as Chu Mao entered and saw Nanny Hao like this, he said, “Aunt, please sit down. Winter is almost here; your legs must be hurting badly again.”

Ah Wu looked up at Chu Mao. This gentleman was usually concise, but she had never heard him speak such a long sentence before.

After Chu Mao personally helped Nanny Hao to her seat, Ah Wu obediently stood up and offered him the seat, then sat down in a rosewood chair to Chu Mao’s left. Nanny Hao then tried to get up to offer Ah Wu her seat, saying things like, “This old servant would not dare overstep her bounds.”

“Aunt, please sit down. She’s a junior; it’s only right that she respects you.” Chu Mao set the tone for the interaction between Nanny Hao and Ah Wu.

Ah Wu inwardly sneered. Although she knew that “Aunt” was a term used for palace maids, one that Chu Mao had been using to call her since childhood, even though Aunt Hao was now Nanny Hao, Ah Wu still felt uncomfortable. Chu Mao supposedly only had one aunt, Princess Fuhui. Yet, the treatment of these two aunts, both elders, was vastly different.

Although Ah Wu knew she was being unreasonable—the Imperial Princess and Chu Mao had a long history of feuds—human nature was inherently biased, and there was no logic to it.

Chu Mao’s eyes swept over the box on the small table, and Ah Wu immediately stood up obediently. “I was just discussing this with Nanny Hao. I am young and inexperienced; how could I manage such a large palace? I’d like to ask Nanny Hao to work a few more years so I can learn from her. But I am worried about Nanny Hao’s health, so I’d appreciate Your Highness’s guidance.”

Chu Mao’s lips curved into a slight smile, high praise for Ah Wu’s tact. The Fourth Prince’s smile was naturally composed; a slight upturn might be mockery or a jest, but a slight curve was genuine praise. Ah Wu had studied this subtle expression for many years.

“Aunt, please put the box away. What the Princess Consort said makes sense. Please guide her in the future.” Chu Mao clearly still wanted Nanny Hao to manage the household.

Ah Wu smiled and sat back down. Listening politely to Chu Mao and Nanny Hao’s pleasantries and occasionally adding a well-chosen remark, the meeting was a pleasant one for both host and guest, except that Ah Wu was the guest.

Finally, Chu Mao personally helped Nanny Hao into the bamboo sedan chair parked by Yulan Hall and even draped a tiger-skin blanket over her knees.

Ah Wu was naturally nearby, but what she was thinking was, “So Chu Mao does not seem to mind contact with Nanny Hao at all. What happened to his germaphobia, or perhaps it’s just a strange quirk?”

Upon arriving at Nanny Hao’s residence, the Hongyao Villa, Pei-Lan carefully helped her down. As they walked, she could not help but blurt out the words she’d been holding back all the way, “Nanny, was what the Princess said just now true or false?”

Nanny Hao paused. “Whether it’s true or false, you must respect this Princess from now on. Being able to accept things as they come and let them go is true wisdom.”

Pei-Lan gave an “Oh” and whispered, “The Princess is truly beautiful.”

Nanny Hao sighed. “Yes, a beauty that comes along only once in a century, even back then…” Nanny Hao did not finish her sentence. Such beauty, such a clear mind, unmoved by profit or fame. When she was about to hand over the household’s tokens and keys to her, there was not a ripple in her eyes. Perhaps she did not want to take on this task then, but fearing her health would not allow it and worrying about His Highness’s displeasure, she had sent someone to fetch His Highness.

With just a glance from His Highness, she understood his attitude and immediately refused the position of steward, changing her initial offer of managing the household to several more years.

She was truly a shrewd person who saw through things. What could a wet nurse do? She had no relatives and therefore no selfish motives. Managing the household, even if it meant working herself to the bone, was still doing her master a favor. She could live an easier life without taking responsibility.

However, Nanny Hao also knew that managing the household was Chu Mao’s way of showing her respect and favor, and she could not be ungrateful and refuse. For someone without a legitimate position, there was no better prestige than wielding real power.

Meanwhile, Chu Mao returned the box to Nanny Hao, then turned and gave Ah Wu a meaningful look.

Ah Wu scoffed inwardly, finding Chu Mao’s suspicion despicable. Did he think everyone coveted his small fortune?

Anyone in his position would find it strange. The mistress of the household had no mother-in-law and no real power over the household affairs. Could she truly be willing? Would she secretly sabotage her?

Although Ah Wu felt that Chu Mao’s sordid suspicions had damaged her reputation, she was under his roof and had to submit. She had to seize this opportunity to express her true feelings; otherwise, she feared what trouble Nanny Hao might cause. Even if Nanny Hao did not, her goddaughter was another matter entirely.

Because of this goddaughter, Ah Wu had already remembered her identity.

After the two were seated again, Ah Wu intentionally tried to explain her situation and express her true feelings. For example, she said, “The prince’s wet nurse is also my wet nurse. I am genuinely happy that Nanny Hao can manage the household. I will learn from her and certainly will not let the prince be distracted by matters of the inner quarters.” If she could make Chu Mao feel slightly guilty, it would be even better if she could ask for some additional benefits.

Ah Wu was well aware of the subtleties of language; sometimes, doing well was not as important as speaking well.

However, before Ah Wu could speak, Chu Mao asked, “Does the Princess have a nickname?”

“Uh.” Ah Wu was completely taken aback by Chu Mao’s opening remarks. She hesitated for a moment before saying, “My given name is Wuyou, and everyone at home calls me Ah Wu.”

“Ah Wu,” Chu Mao repeated, “It’s rare to hear a young lady use the character ‘Wu’ alone.”

Asking so meticulously, as if he genuinely cared, Ah Wu inwardly scoffed but outwardly replied without hesitation, “Yes, that’s why I prefer the misty mountains and abundant clouds.”

Chu Mao’s heart skipped a beat. Mist was light and thin, dissipating with the sun; it was not a name associated with longevity. Besides, his given name was “Qinxu,” which, according to Gu Yewang’s Yu Pian, means sunlight.

However, although Chu Mao paused, he repeated it, a slight smile playing on his lips, “Ah Wu, mist condenses into a celestial basket, a clear wind hangs like gold—a fine name.”

Ah Wu smiled back; her name was indeed a fine name.

“Ah Wu, you are my princess consort. This inner court should rightfully be yours. I am sorry you had to endure this earlier.”

Ah Wu quickly stood up, trembling with fear. “Your Highness, I…” This was a perfect opportunity to express her feelings, but Chu Mao waved his hand, interrupting her performance.

“Of course, I know you are sincere. Few people would use this as a favor,” Chu Mao teased. “You are thinking of me, showing respect to my aunt, but I cannot take your thoughtfulness for granted, Ah Wu.”

Hearing these words, Ah Wu felt warmer than holding a heater in the dead of winter. If it were not for past grudges, Ah Wu might have been won over by Chu Mao’s “respectful and courteous” manner.

“Although my situation as the Fourth Prince is not ideal, I am, after all, the Prince Qi, personally appointed by His Majesty. I have a fief and several estates. Tomorrow, I will have Li Yanguang deliver the account books and keys to you. From now on, please manage them for me, Your Highness.”

Chu Mao spoke casually, but in reality, he granted Ah Wu considerable power. For an ordinary prince, these fiefs and estates were his entire livelihood, essentially handing over his entire fortune to Ah Wu. The inner court’s expenses were handled monthly by the outer court, and the outer court’s funds came from these fiefs and estates.

Ah Wu essentially held the inner court by the throat.

However, unfortunately, Chu Mao’s family was vast and powerful. As far as Ah Wu knew, this Prince Qi secretly controlled many wealthy merchants, some of whom might even be his mere managers. He was far from short of money.

And the outer court’s income was not solely derived from the fiefs and estates. And naturally, the management of the outer courtyard was no longer in Ah Wu’s hands; what she managed was merely a drop in the ocean of the Prince’s estate.

However, to be fair, if Ah Wu had not known this, she might have genuinely been moved by Chu Mao’s generosity and submitted.

“I am afraid I cannot manage it well,” Ah Wu said, no longer referring to herself as a concubine. Prince Qi had used her childhood nickname to build rapport, and Ah Wu, seizing the opportunity, no longer wanted to call herself a concubine.

“Wu Hanyong in the outer courtyard is skilled in administrative affairs. If you have any questions, just ask him.”

“Yes,” Ah Wu replied, no longer refusing, lest she give Chu Mao the impression of being stubborn. However, she thought to herself that Prince Qi’s heart was far too magnanimous. Ah Wu considered herself reasonably beautiful (of course, this was an extremely modest but actually extremely narcissistic statement), yet this prince did not seem to mind her interacting with men outside the palace, even though that man was a steward. Meanwhile, Chu Mao used the word “seeking advice,” clearly indicating his high regard for the stewards of the outer courtyard and his unwillingness to allow his princess to disrespect them due to her superior status.

Ah Wu suddenly understood why Chu Mao had succeeded in the first place. Perhaps she should learn from him.

Even with Ah Wu herself, Chu Mao had gone to great lengths to win her over, even though he was unwilling to use the simplest and most intimate method—sexual intercourse. But in Ah Wu’s unique case, Chu Mao had handled it extremely successfully. First, he had already won Ah Wu over without engaging in sexual intercourse. Second, with today’s move, he had included Ah Wu as one of his own, or rather, he was trying to make Ah Wu feel that she was one of his own.

But regardless, so far, Ah Wu’s animosity towards Chu Mao had not deepened and might even have eased slightly. This was already a success for His Highness Prince Qi; if he knew, he would surely be proud.

To Ah Wu’s surprise, His Highness Prince Qi, impressed by her earlier display of generosity and her subsequent acceptance of his advances, as well as her declaration of unwavering dedication to the Prince Qi’s estate, decided to sacrifice a little of his time to have dinner with his princess.

Ah Wu secretly added a mark to her mental notebook, recording Chu Mao’s misdeeds.

If Ah Wu could read Chu Mao’s mind, she would forever regret her “flowery understanding” that day.

After dinner, although Chu Mao went to the Bingxue Forest, he returned to the Yulan Hall before the moon had even risen above the treetops, bathed in the frosty moonlight. In fact, he had originally planned to sleep in the Bingxue Forest starting that night.

However, Chu Mao could not bring himself to ask Ah Wu, for his princess was not only his teacher’s daughter but also incredibly understanding. Facing a husband who refused to consummate their marriage even on their wedding night, Ah Wu showed no resentment whatsoever, and Chu Mao could sense her sincerity in this matter. This undoubtedly relieved Chu Mao greatly, as he truly felt guilty about it.

To live like a widow while having a husband was incredibly cruel for a woman, even implying she might never have children. However, Chu Mao secretly promised that if he ever needed an heir, he would consider Ah Wu first.

Of course, this alone was not enough for Ah Wu to stand out and continue sharing a bed with Prince Qi. Ah Wu’s intelligence and obedience today also played a role, but most importantly, she did not offend Chu Mao. She was well-mannered in every way, loved cleanliness, and, like him, disliked touching others or being touched.

All these virtues undoubtedly earned Ah Wu the title of “Prince Qi’s Most Satisfactory Woman.”

When Chu Mao entered the room, Ah Wu had already washed and dressed, wearing a moon-blue silk robe and soft satin shoes with pink embroidered moon-blue peonies and grey-white soles. One foot was resting on the leg of Zi-Shan, who was squatting on the ground as she applied fragrant ointment. This ointment was a secret court recipe; it could remove the fine downy hairs from the feet, making the skin appear flawless like fine porcelain.

Ah Wu had not heard any announcement, so when Chu Mao unexpectedly appeared before her, her hair stood on end—a reaction to an enemy. However, her expression quickly softened. She gracefully stood up, elegantly adjusting her dress to cover her long, white legs and her small, delicate, snow-white feet, as lovely as flower petals.

“Your Highness?” Ah Wu’s voice rose slightly at the end; it was a question.